CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Four Virginia men’s lacrosse student-athletes will represent the United States on the men’s national under-19 team at the 2012 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) U19 Men’s World Championship in Turku, Finland, July 12-21. Incoming freshman midfielder Matt Florence will join defenseman Greg Danseglio, long stick midfielder Tanner Ottenbreit and midfielder Ryan Tucker, all rising sophomores. Virginia leads all universities with its four representatives on the roster of 23.

The U.S. team will defend its title from 2008 when it won gold at the quadrennial event, beating Canada, 19-12, in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

“This promises to be a truly memorable experience for Matt, Greg, Tanner and Ryan,” said UVa head coach Dom Starsia. “There is nothing quite as stirring as playing for your country. The international competition in our sport has improved dramatically in recent years. We are very proud of these young men and they will serve as excellent ambassadors and representatives of the University and our lacrosse program, Go USA!”
Former UVa All-American Tom Duquette is one of three assistant coaches on the squad. Tucker’s father, John, was a three-time world champion (1986, 1990, 1994) on the U.S. men’s senior team and also served as an assistant coach for the 2003 U.S. U19 team that won a gold medal. Tucker will wear No. 2, the same number his father wore as a member of the U.S. squad.

The U.S. team is in the Blue Division with Canada, the Iroquiois Nationals, England and Australia. The U.S. opens up pool play on July 13 against Australia at 12 p.m. EST. The U.S. rounds out pool play with games against Canada on July 14 (12 p.m. EST), England on July 15 (12 p.m.) and the Iroquiois Nationals on July 17 (6 a.m. EST).